If the above sounds grotesque, you may need to get used to it. Egg whites, fish protein and milk are commonly used in alcohol beverages. New allergen rules may require much more frequent disclosure, on many more labels in the near future. TTB’s qualification says “The disclosure of allergens used in this product is voluntary, pending final rulemaking (See Notice No. 62, 71 FR 42329).”
It appears that this winery was not allowed to call their 17.1% alc./vol. dessert wine a Port Wine, because it’s made and bottled in Florida rather than Portugal. But rather than give up and call it something boring, they found a witty but fairly subtle and lawyerly way to get their point across.
The McCain campaign is not alone in reaching out for this tried and true brand, the Maverick. A fair number of winemakers have proclaimed their independence with the same descriptor. Maverick – Above the Law is a South Australia Shiraz. Four Vines is an Amador County Zinfandel, and is not just independent but “fiercely independent.”
TTB is highly unlikely to approve John McCain beer anytime soon. Not because he can’t win. But because TTB is reluctant to approve labels referring to Presidents of the United States. Despite this, many companies come very close to this line. Above is Obama Ale. Here is an Illinois wine celebrating the debate between Lincoln and Douglas. And some might see our current President here.
… or as the label notes, at least not to your children. While not obvious from the label, this Tequila specialty comes pre-frozen in popsicle form, complete with a stick. Other brands previously introduced the concept of frozen alcohol beverages in various forms (see Freaky Ice flavored malt beverage).
Here are two beers with added . . . seafood. The first is Budweiser with Clamato. The second is Stout brewed with Oysters. The clam label provides an early example of allergen labeling.
